RED CYCLE

ABBIE JOY SALON

Menstrual cycle must be one of the grueling challenges a woman has to come to grips with every month. From pelvic cramps to headaches, women have to bear constant agony especially in the workplace .But menstrual leave in the Philippines should no longer be seen as trivial, but a growing push for breaking the taboo.

Sure, there are laws that protect women from any forms of harassment—catcalling, unwanted touching, name it. But despite these enacted laws, traditional politicians remain resistant to attempts that would lessen the weight of what women have to carry.

Recently, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosa proposed the House Bill No. 7758 that seeks to grant a two-day leave per month for those female employees in both private and firsthand. This remark coming from a politician is truly unsettling. This, for the nth time, reveals what kind of lawmakers we have— a bunch of ruling class who live far from reality. The masses were lax with them for not forcing them to start commuting to understand the congestion in the Metro, but maybe women should start altering men’s biological structure so they could understand how periods differ from one woman to another.

This remark from a former legislator only verifies that despite years of women’s struggle for equality and against oppression, we were still crucified for asking for benefits that would actually benefit everyone. Several studies have found that women who are experiencing menstrual cramps are significantly less productive at work. Therefore, when women feel heard and seen at work, this drives them to be more productive at work.

Women’s struggles transcend beyond social and cultural pressure. From expecting them to conceive a child once to bearing the pain of her monthly visitor. Periods can really them on a pedestal of oppression.

But it frets me that menstrual leave has been framed as a sign of weakness against women. For centuries, women have been deemed to be overly emotional, weak, and have to conform to society’s archetype of women.

Menstrual leave in some countries has become a norm. In the United States and Spain, there is a growing push for breaking the taboo on menstrual leave as they allow their female workers to stay at home for at least three days per month. However, there are growing concerns over this policy. Some echoed their worry that this might fuel gender discrimination in the workplace by limiting opportunities for women. Passing this bill may alienate women in the workplace. This could result in employers hiring fewer women.

And no, a wider space for protecting women in all spaces would not translate to lesser rights for others. Setting this bill into motion supporting women only means that the Constitution supports and